Collaborative post
03.05.2024 - 14:13 / thespruce.com
If you're looking to design an outdoor kitchen that's both functional and stylish, we've got you covered with expert advice. From what kind of materials are worth the investment to what layout factors to consider, we asked designers to share their best tips.
Below, we've highlighted 5 designer-approved tips for creating a dreamy and timeless outdoor kitchen.
The Plan Collection
“Think about how you want to utilize the space and how you will actually use the area," Bobby Berk, an interior designer and a TV personality, says. «This will definitely help to inform the layout and what type of furnishings you should invest in.»
When Berk was designing his own backyard oasis, he incorporated a prep sink and under-counter refrigerator, so he could have everything he needed for easy al fresco cooking and entertaining.
Laurel Vernazza, home design expert, chief marketing officer, and director of content for The Plan Collection, emphasizes looking at objectives as well.
“What do you plan to use it for? How many guests will you host? These questions can lead you to a simple design for occasional outdoor dining to a full-sized kitchen with every amenity from the grill, cabinets, and refrigerator to a pizza oven and plenty of bar seating," she says.
The Turrett Collaborative
“Your region’s climate should have a more significant impact on creating the ideal kitchen than anything else,” Vernazza says.
Vernazza explains how you'll need an outdoor kitchen with plenty of shade such as a pergola if you live in the Southwest. If you're located in the Northeast or Midwest, you will have to think about what materials will survive significant temperature fluctuations, she says.
«And if near a beach, you need to consider the impact of
Collaborative post
As trends often go, what’s old is new again, and the garden is no exception. Romantic and whimsical gardens are back in style, along with many classic blooms like roses, hydrangeas, and 2024’s “it” flower—the peony.
Spring cleanup can be a real mess. If you cut your own ornamental grasses, that’s especially true if it’s a windy day and you’re dealing with taller grasses (e.g., Miscanthus, Panicum) blowing everywhere as they’re cut and fall over.
Are you planning to install a pergola to enhance your outdoor space? Whether it's creating a shady retreat in your backyard or adding an architectural element to your patio, installing a pergola can be a great way to improve your outdoor living. But before you start building, there are some key things to consider to ensure your project is successful.
Collaborative post
Mother's Day is just around the corner—a time of year that can bring both celebration and reflection. For those who find their sense of home in people rather than place, a mother is often at the center. Her influence helps shape the decisions we make in the spaces we create for ourselves and our loved ones.
When you think of yellow hues, do you think of flowering plants in the early days of spring, like yellow archangel, golden chain tree, hybrid witch hazel, forsythia, and yellow bird magnolia? Does it remind you of spring, as daffodils begin reaching through the sidewalk cracks? Does it remind you of summer, when you can finally start harvesting your yellow pear tomatoes and Irish gold tomatoes, and when lemon trees start blooming?
Winter is for enjoying time in your home, and summer is for enjoying time in your yard. But shoulder seasons—fall and spring—are for preparation. In spring, we venture outdoors to nurseries and begin looking to fill our gardens with the best flowers and greenery the year has to offer.
Repotting aloe vera becomes necessary for a few reasons, especially when your plant starts to outgrow its pot. It can also be done when you have a baby aloe plant growing alongside the original. Referred to as a pup, this wee little aloe can be separated and repotted in its own container. Aloe plants require repotting anywhere from every three to five years or so. I often will save two or three houseplants to repot at the same time while I have my soil out and the table covered. In this article, I’ll explain how to repot an aloe plant—and a pup if you have one. Aloe was among my first houseplants when I got my first apartment. Having watched aloe vera gel applied to friends’ cuts and burn
With the harsh days of winter behind us, you might be looking out at your yard and realizing your lawn needs some major TLC. You’re certainly not alone—now is the perfect time to shift your focus on bringing your yard back to life.
Tips for Growing a Rooftop Garden No green space? No problem! Learn how this Chicago gardener created a beautiful rooftop garden in the city. Smart tips for a successful rooftop garden